Chargers’ 53-Man Roster Is Set: The Biggest Winners and Losers From Cutdown Day

Los Angeles made two trades before Sunday's NFL roster deadline, sending cornerback Avery Smith to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2027 sixth-round pick and defensive lineman TeRah Edwards to the Carolina Panthers for a 2028 sixth-round selection.

Those moves gave the Chargers additional flexibility while they trimmed their roster ahead of the September 13 season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

With Hortiz known for continuing to adjust the roster, this 53-man group should be viewed as a starting point rather than a finished product.

Quarterbacks: Trey Lance Wins Backup Job

Justin Herbert will once again lead the quarterback room, while Trey Lance secured the backup position for the second consecutive training camp.

Lance's experience and mobility helped him beat out DJ Uiagalelei, who was released.

The Chargers are expected to try to keep Uiagalelei around on the practice squad, provided another team does not claim him.

Roster: Justin Herbert, Trey Lance

Running Backs: Omarion Hampton Leads the Way

The Chargers kept four players at running back, with rookie Omarion Hampton expected to occupy the lead role.

Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal provide additional options, while Alec Ingold gives the team a traditional fullback.

Greg Desrosiers made a strong final push, rushing for 118 yards and a touchdown in the preseason finale, but it wasn't enough to earn a roster spot.

Scott Matlock was also placed on injured reserve with a designation to return.

Roster: Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal, Alec Ingold

Wide Receiver: Chargers Ignore Calls for Veteran Help

One of the more interesting decisions came at wide receiver.

There had been plenty of discussion during training camp about Los Angeles adding another experienced receiver, but the Chargers instead moved forward without bringing back Keenan Allen or another veteran name.

Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston remain central pieces, with Tre' Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Derius Davis and Brenen Thompson completing the group.

Roster: Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre' Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Derius Davis, Brenen Thompson

Tight End: Charlie Kolar Adds Blocking Strength

The Chargers kept three tight ends, including offseason addition Charlie Kolar.

Kolar's blocking ability should help protect Herbert, although Los Angeles expects him to have a larger role as a receiver than he had during his time with the Baltimore Ravens.

Roster: Charlie Kolar, Oronde Gadsden, David Njoku

Offensive Line: 11 Players Give Herbert Plenty of Protection

Los Angeles kept 11 offensive linemen, providing significant depth heading into the regular season.

The group includes rookies Jake Slaughter, Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey, while Branson Taylor was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return.

That effectively gives the Chargers another offensive-line option once he is eligible to return.

Roster: Rashawn Slater, Kayode Awosika, Jake Slaughter, Cole Strange, Joe Alt, Trey Pipkins III, Travis Burke, Trevor Penning, Jacob Spomer, Logan Taylor, Alex Harkey

Defensive Line: Teair Tart Leads a Young Group

The Chargers kept five defensive linemen, led by Teair Tart and Dalvin Tomlinson.

Tart's importance was highlighted by the three-year contract extension he received in January, while Nick Barrett emerged as one of the more impressive players during training camp.

Roster: Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Nick Barrett

Edge Rushers: One of the Chargers' Strongest Units

The outside linebacker group could be one of Los Angeles' biggest strengths.

Khalil Mack returns for his 13th NFL season and fifth with the Chargers, while Tuli Tuipulotu continues to take on an expanded role.

Akheem Mesidor also impressed throughout camp, while veteran Bud Dupree provides additional experience.

Roster: Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Akheem Mesidor, Bud Dupree

Inside Linebacker: Junior Colson Is Among the Toughest Cuts

One of the more notable omissions was Junior Colson, a third-round selection in 2024 who missed the entire 2025 season with a shoulder injury.

Colson found himself in a crowded and competitive linebacker group, ultimately losing out as the Chargers finalized their numbers.

Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman headline the position.

Roster: Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye, Del'Shawn Phillips, Marlowe Wax

Cornerback: Avery Smith Trade Creates More Flexibility

The cornerback room was another position where competition was intense.

Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson and Cam Hart are expected to handle significant responsibilities, while Deane Leonard offers versatility and special-teams value.

Avery Smith's move to Seattle also generated an additional draft asset for Hortiz.

Roster: Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Cam Hart, Deane Leonard, Rodney Shelley

Safety: Derwin James Still Anchors the Defense

Derwin James Jr. remains one of the foundational pieces of the Chargers, with Elijah Molden and Tony Jefferson also providing experience.

The depth behind them is considerable, with RJ Mickens, Genesis Smith and Kendall Williamson making the roster.

James remains one of the franchise's four defensive and organizational cornerstones alongside Khalil Mack, Rashawn Slater and Justin Herbert.

Roster: Derwin James Jr., Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson, RJ Mickens, Genesis Smith, Kendall Williamson

Specialists: Chargers Leave Door Open for JK Scott

The Chargers kept Cameron Dicker as their kicker and Josh Harris as their long snapper while releasing punter/holder JK Scott and long snapper Peter Bowden.

However, Scott is a vested veteran, meaning his release does not necessarily signal the end of his time in Los Angeles.

The move appears designed primarily to create additional roster flexibility, and Scott could potentially return once further transactions take place.

Roster: Cameron Dicker, Josh Harris

What's Next for the Chargers?

The Chargers have reached the NFL's 53-man limit, but Hortiz is unlikely to consider the roster completely finished.

The two trades already completed before the deadline demonstrate the front office's willingness to use roster moves strategically, while several released players could return through the practice squad.

The biggest immediate questions revolve around quarterback depth, the final wide receiver configuration and whether the Chargers make further additions before facing Arizona on September 13.

For now, though, Herbert, Mack, Slater and James remain the foundation, while several young players have earned an opportunity to prove they belong on a Chargers team expecting to compete immediately.